Medically reviewed by Dr Usman Naeem, 24 Oct 2026.
Key points
- Hepatitis C spreads through blood: unsafe injections, shared needles, contaminated medical or dental equipment, unscreened transfusion, and shared razors. It is not spread by hugging, sharing food or coughing.
- A positive antibody test needs a second test (HCV RNA) to show whether the virus is still present.
- Direct-acting antiviral tablets taken for about 8 to 12 weeks cure more than 95 in 100 people when taken as prescribed.
- There is no vaccine, and you can catch hepatitis C again after cure, so safe injection practice still matters.
Overview
Most people have no symptoms for years. When the virus stays in the body, it causes ongoing inflammation of the liver that can lead to scarring (fibrosis) and, in some people, cirrhosis after 20 or more years. Curing the virus stops further damage and often allows the liver to recover to some extent.
Hepatitis C is common in some parts of the world, including Pakistan, which makes screening of adults who have never been tested a sensible step. Your doctor can advise who should be tested.
Causes and risk factors
- Reused or unsterilised syringes, needles and medical, surgical or dental instruments
- Blood or blood products given before reliable screening was in place
- Sharing razors, needles or other items that may carry blood
- Tattooing or piercing with unsterile tools
- Mother-to-baby spread occurs in a small proportion of births
Symptoms
- Often none for many years
- Tiredness or vague discomfort in some
- Signs of scarring in late disease: yellow eyes, swelling of the abdomen, easy bruising
When to seek urgent medical care
- Yellow eyes, a swollen abdomen, vomiting blood, black stools or confusion need urgent medical attention
In an emergency go to the nearest emergency department or call Rescue 1122.
How it is assessed
- Anti-HCV antibody blood test, followed by HCV RNA (viral load) to confirm active infection
- Liver tests, blood count and an assessment of scarring by elastography or blood scores. Genotype testing is sometimes used to choose treatment
- Tests for hepatitis B and HIV, because treatment choice and safety depend on them
- A check of other medicines you take, because some interact with hepatitis C drugs
Treatment
Treatment
- Direct-acting antiviral tablets, usually for 8 to 12 weeks, chosen by your doctor according to scarring, previous treatment and other conditions
- Take every tablet exactly as prescribed. Side effects are usually mild (tiredness, headache)
- A blood test about 12 weeks after treatment ends (SVR12) confirms cure
- Hepatitis B can reactivate during hepatitis C treatment in people who carry both viruses, so testing before treatment matters
- In pregnancy these medicines are generally postponed until after delivery. Discuss timing with your doctor
After cure
- Cure does not protect against catching the virus again
- People who already had cirrhosis need to continue ultrasound screening for liver cancer and other checks even after cure
- Those without significant scarring can usually return to routine care
What you can do
- Use only new, sealed syringes and needles, and sterilised instruments at clinics, dentists and barbers
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers
- Avoid alcohol, particularly if there is scarring of the liver
- Tell family members to ask their doctor about testing
- Avoid herbal and “liver cleansing” products without asking your doctor
Common questions
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Modern antiviral tablets taken for 8 to 12 weeks cure the great majority of people. A blood test about 12 weeks after treatment confirms cure. Your doctor needs to check your liver and the right treatment first.
Does curing hepatitis C mean my liver is fully normal again?
Curing the virus stops further damage and many people improve. If advanced scarring was already present it may not fully go away, so follow-up may still be needed.
Can I get hepatitis C again?
Yes. Cure does not give lasting immunity, so continue to avoid unsafe injections and shared blood-contact items.
Is hepatitis C passed on within a family?
Spread within a household is uncommon. It happens only if blood-contaminated items are shared, such as razors. Hugging, sharing meals and utensils are safe.
اردو خلاصہ
ہیپاٹائٹس سی جگر کا وائرس ہے جو خون کے ذریعے پھیلتا ہے، مثلاً غیر محفوظ انجکشن، استعمال شدہ سرنج، آلودہ آلات یا ریزر کا مشترکہ استعمال۔ یہ ساتھ کھانے پینے یا گلے ملنے سے نہیں پھیلتا۔
پہلے اینٹی باڈی ٹیسٹ ہوتا ہے اور اگر مثبت آئے تو HCV RNA ٹیسٹ سے پتا چلتا ہے کہ وائرس اب بھی موجود ہے یا نہیں۔
آج کل گولیوں کا علاج، عموماً 8 سے 12 ہفتے، اکثریت مریضوں میں وائرس ختم کر دیتا ہے۔ علاج سے پہلے ڈاکٹر جگر کا معائنہ کرتا ہے اور علاج کے بارہ ہفتے بعد ٹیسٹ سے شفا کی تصدیق ہوتی ہے۔
Related conditions
Related articles
This page gives general information prepared for Dr Usman Naeem and is not personal medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.